Efficacy of acupuncture during post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23427386

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The
purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture is effective
in reducing pain and swelling around the knee and improving range of
motion (ROM) during the post-acute phase of rehabilitation after total
knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS:

Following TKA, 80 knees
in 80 patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture
treatment group (Group A) or a control group (Group C). In Group A, the
complementary treatment of acupuncture was performed three times/week
from postoperative day 7 until postoperative day 21. Outcome measures
were: i) pain as assessed by a visual analog scale; ii) reduction of
swelling around the knee as indicated by its circumference at the center
of the patella; and iii) ROM of the affected knee.

RESULTS:

Group
A patients had significantly reduced pain and swelling around the knees
and earlier recovery of ROM than did those in Group C.

CONCLUSION:

Acupuncture
provides effective treatment during the post-acute phase of
rehabilitation after TKA with respect to pain relief, reduction of
swelling around the knee, and early recovery of ROM.